Not all mold is terrible. After all, without mold, we wouldn't have many different kinds of cheese, mushrooms, or medications like penicillin. However, the mold that you could discover growing in your house is typically not healthy. In fact, it's frequently the kind that sets off major illnesses or respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma. Mold can occasionally be seen growing in places like the shower, dishwasher, and washing machine since it prefers warm, dark, wet conditions.
White vinegar is a potent weapon against sporadic mold growth in your kitchen cabinet, even if a severe mold infestation is best treated by a professional restoration firm. More than 80% of mold species, including dangerous black mold, can be eliminated by using one common home item. In fact, it works better than bleach, which merely eliminates surface mold and may even exacerbate the situation. Follow along as our Merry Maids® cleaning professionals demonstrate how to eliminate mold with vinegar and prevent it from returning.
Killing Mold with White Distilled Vinegar
Don't worry about blending white vinegar with water first because it works best undiluted and is most frequently found with a 5% acidity. Although vinegar is a mild acid, it should not be used on aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone as it could harm the finish or result in etching.
The materials you'll need should be gathered before you start:
- White vinegar
- Empty spray bottle
- Baking soda
- Scrub brush or scouring pad
- Masks, gloves, and goggles
Step 1: Protect Yourself First
Direct contact with mold can be risky, particularly if any spores escape into the air while being cleaned. Additionally, the acidity of vinegar can irritate skin. Wear non-porous gloves, safety goggles or glasses, and a mask that covers your mouth and nose out of caution.
Step 2: Apply The Vinegar
Fill the empty spray container with enough undiluted white vinegar to cover the mold growth. Spray the vinegar directly on the mold, covering it completely, and let it sit for at least an hour. Avoid the temptation to scrape or rinse; the mold requires time to absorb the vinegar thoroughly.
Step 3: Make a Baking Soda Scrub
If there is any mold or stains after an hour or more, you can scrape them off with a baking soda solution. If you don't have a spare spray bottle, utilize the one with any remaining vinegar by adding a teaspoon of baking soda and two glasses of water to it. Shake ferociously until everything is well-combined.
Step 4: Remove Any Remaining Mold
With a scrub brush or scouring pad, apply the baking soda solution directly to the mold and any mold spots. Baking soda has an abrasive effect that aids in removing stains and stubborn mold. After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the area with warm, clean water. To avoid unneeded exposure, make sure you are still wearing your protective gear for this step.
Step 5: Finish with a Last Spray
Give the area one last vinegar spray after cleaning it with soap and water. Alternately, if you're only using one spray bottle and have any remaining baking soda solution, go ahead and spritz that. Let the area dry naturally. Any remaining mold will be eliminated and its regrowth will be stopped with this final treatment. The overpowering vinegar smell won't last for more than a few hours, so don't be concerned.
Vinegar Prevents the Growth of Mold
To combat mold, you don't need to wait until you see it growing. Add vinegar to your cleaning regimen for warm, wet places like the bathroom or laundry room that are prone to mold growth to halt an infestation before it begins. To avoid mold growth on the floor, keep a spray bottle of vinegar in the bathroom and mist it over the shower stall after you take a shower. You may also add vinegar to your mopping solution.
